“In 1938, German chemist Gerhard Schrader was attempting to make pesticides that were more effective. Instead, he accidentally discovered one of the most dangerous weapons of war ever produced: the nerve agent, sarin (Amarasingam, 2017). In the years that followed, German and British governments discovered analogues to the original chemical, and governments began producing stockpiles of such weapons. Since then, nerve agents have been used in terrorist attacks and assassination attempts (Stone, 2020).”
Read moreAmbient Activities for an Aging Population
“Residents affected by dementia in long term care (LTC) facilities often experience a lack of engagement and interaction. Whether it is due to the strain put on LTC workers, or extenuating circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic, this lack of stimulation can lead to disruptive behaviours and can impact their emotional well-being.”
Read moreCOVID-19 Vaccines In Review
“In late 2019, the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) took the world by storm. Cases of this enigmatic and never-before-seen strand of virus engulfed country after country just after the new year, and the rest is history. In January 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 virus spread to Canadian shores.”
Read moreDr. Lloyd Waugh: Photogrammetry as a Visual Documentation Tool of Construction Sites
“When Dr. Lloyd Waugh’s began his research, it may not have been directed for use in a pandemic affected time; however, it may be increasingly valuable in a period when remote work has become more widespread. Dr. Waugh has passionately shared the thrilling advancements of his research at the University of New Brunswick on using photogrammetry as a documentation tool of on-site construction progress.”
Read moreThe Reality of Family Violence in Canada: One Student’s Impact on Family Violence Research
“In Emma Robinson’s time at the University of New Brunswick, she has made an impactful difference at the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research at UNB (MMFC). Before she arrived at UNB to pursue a Masters in Sociology, Emma completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto in English and Theatre Studies. Gender studies was an area that Emma was captivated by, which eventually led her to learning extensively about the world of domestic and sexual violence. Emma’s Master’s studies have centred around working with youth, women and Christian communities happening across a wide range of research projects at the MMFC, in the community and government.”
Read moreShades of an Acculturation Paradigm in Health Care: Race and Ethnicity
“Disparities between diverse population groups in effective healthcare treatments and outcomes may place certain groups at higher risk than others. In spite of development and advances in the healthcare system, prior research has proved the presence of disparities in the use of health services based on race.”
Read moreThe Role of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre in Family Violence Research
“While many people are aware of the term family violence, it is often accompanied by reluctance from society to accept the term as a present situation for individuals of many different backgrounds. The stereotypes towards family violence indicate that it is often neglected as it suggests the notion that it is an issue only for a small percent of the population. A common stereotype dictates that people of low socioeconomic status, for example, are the only people to experience family violence, which is not accurate. The reality of the situation is that family violence has no limits to whom it can affect, and it takes a heavy toll on society.”
Read moreOur Summer with BoostNB: Student-Led Research on Economic Indicators for New Brunswick
“If you ask New Brunswickers to tell you about their province, they might talk about the beautiful forests, fresh seafood, covered bridges, and a slower, more pleasant way of life. On the surface, these are all elements that define the New Brunswick that we know and love. However, they are also elements that play a key part in the provincial economy – something you are less likely to hear about. From our small population to our natural resources and beyond, New Brunswick relies on growth in many different areas to boost its economy and ensure the progress and prosperity of its people.”
Read moreCharacterizing Populations During a Pandemic: Our Summer on a Virtual Research Team
“Have you ever wondered what Statistics Canada does with their census data? Well we have. Our names are Nihla Hussain and Madeleine Gorman-Asal, and in February 2020 we attended the Atlantic Student Research Journal’s inaugural Reaching Higher conference. It was there that we first learned about the New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data, and Training (NB-IRDT), and its Pathways to Professions program. We both share a passion for research, which led us to attend the conference and to apply for the 2020 Pathways to Professions program.”
Read moreUnderstanding the Public Health Concern of the Saint John River through Dr. Janice Lawrence’s Cyanobacteria Research
““There [has been] a big conversation and dialogue about the river, how important it is, and how many peoples’ lives were affected when they became afraid of something they always took for granted to be safe”, says Dr. Janice Lawrence, Professor and Associate Dean of Science at the University of New Brunswick. Janice has found herself explaining her research on toxin-producing cyanobacteria distribution to lake associations and cottage owners alike, due to the growing concern that the bodies of water near them could be potentially hazardous. However, it was not Janice’s initial plan to be studying cyanobacteria, a prominent type of photosynthetic bacteria. Janice did her PhD at Dalhousie University studying toxic phytoplankton, a type of marine algae, and became interested in why toxic blooms, or the rapid increase of toxin-producing organisms, occur in some places in the ocean but not others.”
Read moreNatural Curiosity: Dr. Tony Noble
“Dr. Tony Noble began his journey at the University of New Brunswick. A long time resident of Fredericton and a track and field athlete, he attended UNB largely for its cross country program. Enrolling in general sciences, Dr. Noble believed he would pursue a path in medicine. Like many, he switched his focus and realized he enjoyed physics more, especially during an era of so many unanswered questions within the world of physics. He remembers having a professor who was very passionate about the new discoveries in physics and would bring excitement to the classroom, which fuelled Dr. Noble’s scientific desire to learn more. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Math from UNB, he went on to complete a Master of Science and PhD in particle physics from the University of British Columbia in 1990.”
Read moreDoes Time Heal All Wounds?
“Why do wounds not heal in patients with Type II Diabetes? That, as Dr. Johnston puts it, is the “Million-Dollar Question.” Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. Rather than being only one error in the healing response that results in the formation of a chronic wound, it is likely a number of issues.”
Read moreAdvancements in Spine Surgery in Atlantic Canada
“Experiencing involuntary spasms or aches in your lower back? Numbness, burning, or tingling down your leg? You are most likely suffering from lower back pain (LBP) or commonly referred to as sciatica, which is pain in the back radiating into the leg. Lumbar radiculopathy is one of the most common conditions associated with LBP. It is a leading cause of disability and often a reason for patients to undergo spine surgery. Traditionally, spine surgery is done as “open surgery”. However, spine surgery has transformed significantly through technological advancements and new approaches such as minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS).”
Read moreEstimating Population Abundance of Brook Trout: The Eleventh Hour
“The annual catch of brook trout and Atlantic salmon, however, is experiencing a relatively steady decline for a multitude of reasons; over-exploitation, habitat degradation, and the introduction of invasive species such as the smallmouth bass, for example, can account for some of this deterioration. In addition, brook trout are extremely sensitive to temperature-related stress and are intolerant to water temperatures above their thermal optima, which in general, is relatively low for salmonids.”
Read more“It Can’t Be That Bad”: Stigmatization As A Barrier To Receiving Chronic Pain Treatment
“It is normal for many people to experience pain at some point in their life. However, some people experience chronic pain, which is pain that persists for at least three months and can even for years. Individuals with chronic pain are often subjected to negative stereotypes that undermine the legitimacy of their pain experience. These individuals are not only stigmatized by the general public, but also the health professionals who work with them during rehabilitation and treatment. The research by Dr. Diane LaChapelle at the University of New Brunswick examines how perceptions of people with chronic pain are influenced by stereotypes and how these perceptions hinder effective decision-making for the treatment of chronic pain.”
Read moreWild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in New Brunswick: How They Got Here and What This Means for Native New Brunswick Flora and Fauna.
“Wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopava) are an increasingly regular occurrence in the province of New Brunswick over the past decade. As with any new species, these turkeys leave managers and scientists unsure of the impacts they could have on native flora and fauna species. In order to properly manage a species, biologists need to know some key ecological details about the population, such as habitat and food sources, where populations are located, and where the animals are reproducing. Dr. Graham Forbes is working closely with graduate students in order to begin this research and discussion.”
Read moreEvidence-Based Study Techniques
“Who hasn’t spent a string of late nights preparing for midterms, only to find their mind drawing a blank when it comes time to write? As most students have come to learn, the time and effort invested in studying does not always equate to increased academic success. In university, students develop study habits that work for them, but with unguided development, the result doesn’t always promote the most efficient learning. In an ideal world, time spent studying would directly correlate to knowledge acquired and information retained. However, not all studying strategies are created equal, and many students are left feeling frustrated, inferior, or as if they are wasting their time. The question then becomes, how can students make the most of their studying? Are there guidelines that can help turn those long hours pouring over textbooks and notes into better grades and knowledge?”
Read moreiGenNB: Intergenerational Living for Community Well-Being
“Intergenerational living is an internationally known co-living model where older adults and seniors share their homes with younger adults to foster a mutually beneficial living arrangement. In exchange for affordable living, the younger adults will provide household services such as snow removal, grocery shopping, running errands, gardening, companionship, and more.
Read this article to learn how iGenNB, a pilot intergenerational living program in New Brunswick, hopes to “improve quality of life, reduce ageism, and lessen the strain on community care services.”
Read moreBetween Space and Earth: A Researcher’s Journey to the Ionosphere
Dr. P.T. Jayachandran, a professor at the University of New Brunswick, seeks to accelerate the human understanding of the upper atmosphere. He has founded Atlantic Canada’s largest space research organization, implemented a radar system throughout the Arctic, and collaborates with industry partners to reduce error in navigation signals.
Learn more about Dr. P.T. Jayachandran.
Read moreThe Atlantic Canadian Roots of Nobel Laureate Dr. Arthur McDonald
“Nobel Laureate in physics Dr. Arthur McDonald has deep roots in Atlantic Canada. Born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, his passion for math and physics was instilled in him by his high school math teacher. By going out of his way to offer extra classes beyond the curriculum, this teacher was able to truly engage Dr. McDonald and other motivated classmates. Despite his clear affinity for mathematics, when Dr. McDonald went on to Dalhousie University for his undergraduate degree he was unsure of which science he intended to pursue. Another mentor, this time his first-year physics professor, showed Dr. McDonald the power of using mathematics as a tool for understanding and describing the universe. From here, Dr. McDonald embarked on a lifelong partnership with physics.“
Learn more about Dr. Arthur McDonald’s Atlantic Canadian roots.
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